An Overview of the Requirements of Special Education (SB 1870) and Bilingual Education (AB 507).

Overview & Synopsis

Overviews are presented of the legal requirements for special education and bilingual education in California. Specific legislation affecting each is reviewed. Special education legislation requires such actions as psychological and health assessments for selected students, full-scale reassessments every 3 years for students remaining in special education, and placement of the student in the least restrictive environment. Bilingual legislation includes provisions for diagnostic assessment, placement in inappropriate bilingual programs, and staffing of bilingual programs with trained and credentialed teachers. Similarities between special and bilingual education legislation are examined, including the concept of equal education opportunity on which they are based. Relationships between bilingual and special education practices in student identification, diagnosis/assessment, and placement are examined. (CL)